Docklands

Docklands lies within the top 10% of areas nationally in terms of population growth performance according to AreaSearch analysis of short and medium-term trends

As of Nov 2025, the estimated population of Docklands is around 20,357. This reflects an increase of 4,862 people since the 2021 Census, which reported a population of 15,495. The ABS ERP estimate for surrounding areas applied to Docklands by AreaSearch in Jun 2024 was 18,664 residents, with an additional 987 validated new addresses since the Census date contributing to this growth. This results in a population density of 6,462 persons per square kilometer, placing Docklands in the top 10% of national locations assessed by AreaSearch. The suburb's population grew by 31.4% between the 2021 Census and Nov 2025, exceeding both national (8.9%) and state averages. Overseas migration accounted for approximately 87.0% of Docklands' overall population gains during this period.

AreaSearch uses ABS/Geoscience Australia projections released in 2024 with a base year of 2022 for each SA2 area, and VIC State Government's Regional/LGA projections from 2023 adjusted to SA2 levels for areas not covered by ABS data. Applying these projections, Docklands is expected to grow by 11,304 persons by 2041, reflecting a total gain of 46.8% over the 17-year period.

AreaSearch assessment of residential development activity positions Docklands among the top 25% of areas assessed nationwide

AreaSearch analysis of ABS building approval numbers, allocated from statistical area data, indicates Docklands averaged approximately 824 new dwelling approvals annually over the past five financial years. This totals an estimated 4,122 homes. As of FY-26, six approvals have been recorded. On average, 0.5 new residents per year arrived for each new home between FY-21 and FY-25.

New construction has matched or outpaced demand, offering buyers more options and enabling population growth that could exceed current expectations. The average construction value of new properties is $679,000, indicating a focus on the premium segment with upmarket properties. This financial year, $1072.6 million in commercial development approvals have been recorded, demonstrating high levels of local commercial activity.

Recent development has comprised entirely medium and high-density housing, creating more affordable entry points for downsizers, investors, and first-home buyers. With around 13 people per dwelling approval, Docklands shows characteristics of a growth area. The latest AreaSearch quarterly estimate projects Docklands to add approximately 9,520 residents by 2041. Current construction levels suggest housing supply should adequately meet demand, creating favourable conditions for buyers while potentially enabling population growth that exceeds current forecasts.

Docklands has very high levels of nearby infrastructure activity, ranking in the top 10% nationally

Changes to local infrastructure significantly influence an area's performance. AreaSearch has identified 86 projects that may impact the area. Notable projects include Victoria Harbour Precinct, Collins Wharf - Final Three Towers, Sento, and Elysium Fields. The following details projects likely to be most relevant.

Professional plan users can use the search below to filter and access additional projects.

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AreaSearch analysis of employment trends sees Docklands performing better than 90% of local markets assessed across Australia

Docklands has a highly educated workforce with strong representation in professional services. Its unemployment rate was 2.0% as of June 2025, with an estimated employment growth of 7.0% over the past year.

There are 13,870 residents employed, and the unemployment rate is 2.6 percentage points lower than Greater Melbourne's rate of 4.6%. Workforce participation in Docklands is 71.0%, compared to Greater Melbourne's 64.1%. Leading employment industries among residents include professional & technical, finance & insurance, and accommodation & food services. The area has a particular specialization in professional & technical jobs, with an employment share of 2.3 times the regional level.

However, health care & social assistance has limited presence, with 7.6% employment compared to the regional average of 14.2%. There are 5.7 workers for every resident in Docklands, indicating it functions as an employment hub attracting workers from surrounding areas. Over the 12 months to June 2025, employment increased by 7.0%, while labour force increased by 7.3%, causing the unemployment rate to rise by 0.3 percentage points. In comparison, Greater Melbourne saw employment grow by 3.5%, labour force expand by 4.0%, and unemployment rise by 0.5 percentage points. For future insights into potential demand within Docklands, Jobs and Skills Australia's national employment forecasts from Sep-22 can be considered. These projections estimate that national employment will increase by 6.6% over five years and 13.7% over ten years. Applying these industry-specific projections to Docklands' employment mix suggests local employment should increase by 7.2% over five years and 14.3% over ten years, though it's important to note this is a simple weighting extrapolation for illustrative purposes and does not take into account localised population projections.

The area exhibits notably strong income performance, ranking higher than 70% of areas assessed nationally through AreaSearch analysis

Docklands' median income among taxpayers was $59,028 in financial year 2022. The average income stood at $81,133 during the same period. These figures compare to Greater Melbourne's median and average incomes of $54,892 and $73,761 respectively. Based on a Wage Price Index growth rate of 12.16% since financial year 2022, estimated median and average incomes for Docklands as of September 2025 would be approximately $66,206 and $90,999 respectively. According to Census 2021 income data, individual earnings in Docklands rank at the 90th percentile nationally ($1,182 weekly), while household income ranks at the 63rd percentile. Income analysis reveals that 35.4% of Docklands' population (7,206 individuals) fall within the $1,500 - $2,999 income range, similar to the metropolitan region where 32.8% occupy this bracket. High housing costs consume 18.8% of income in Docklands, but strong earnings place disposable income at the 59th percentile. The area's SEIFA income ranking places it in the 9th decile.

Docklands features a more urban dwelling mix with significant apartment living, with above-average rates of outright home ownership

Docklands' dwelling structure, as per the latest Census, consisted of 0.5% houses and 99.5% other dwellings (semi-detached, apartments, 'other' dwellings). Melbourne metro had no houses or other dwellings recorded at that time. Home ownership in Docklands stood at 12.6%, with mortgaged dwellings at 18.6% and rented ones at 68.8%. The median monthly mortgage repayment was $2,000, aligning with Melbourne metro's average. Median weekly rent in Docklands was $411, while Melbourne metro had no recorded figures for rents or houses. Nationally, Docklands' mortgage repayments exceeded the Australian average of $1,863, and its rents surpassed the national figure of $375.

Docklands features high concentrations of lone person households and group households, with a median household size of 1.8 people

Family households constitute 51.5% of all households, including 12.4% couples with children, 33.4% couples without children, and 3.8% single parent families. Non-family households account for the remaining 48.5%, with lone person households at 39.4% and group households comprising 9.1%. The median household size is 1.8 people.

Educational achievement in Docklands places it within the top 10% nationally, reflecting strong academic performance and high qualification levels across the community

Docklands has a significantly higher educational attainment than broader benchmarks. 64.9% of residents aged 15+ hold university qualifications, compared to 30.4% in Australia and 33.4% in Victoria. Bachelor degrees are the most common at 39.8%, followed by postgraduate qualifications (21.9%) and graduate diplomas (3.2%). Vocational pathways account for 18.0% of qualifications among those aged 15+, with advanced diplomas at 10.0% and certificates at 8.0%.

Educational participation is high, with 30.0% of residents currently enrolled in formal education. This includes 15.1% in tertiary education, 3.1% in primary education, and 1.6% pursuing secondary education. Two primary schools serve the area: Docklands Primary School-The District Campus (interim name) and Docklands Primary School, collectively serving 543 students as of a specific date. The area has significant socio-educational advantages and academic achievement, with an ICSEA score of 1126. Both schools focus exclusively on primary education, with secondary options available in surrounding areas. There is a low ratio of 2.7 school places per 100 residents, suggesting many local students attend schools outside the immediate area. Note: where schools show 'n/a' for enrolments, please refer to the parent campus.

Transport servicing is high compared to other areas nationally based on assessment of service frequency, route connectivity and accessibility

Transport analysis indicates 62 active stops operating in Docklands, offering a mix of train, light rail, and bus services. These stops are served by 124 individual routes, collectively facilitating 28,150 weekly passenger trips. Transport accessibility is rated excellent, with residents typically situated 119 meters from the nearest stop.

Service frequency averages 4,021 trips per day across all routes, equating to approximately 454 weekly trips per individual stop.

Docklands's residents boast exceedingly positive health performance metrics with very low prevalence of common health conditions across all age groups

Health outcomes data shows excellent results in Docklands, with very low prevalence of common health conditions across all age groups.

Approximately 59% of the total population (11,976 people) has private health cover. The most frequent medical conditions are mental health issues and asthma, affecting 5.1 and 4.6% of residents respectively. A significant majority, 84.4%, report having no medical ailments, compared to 0% in Greater Melbourne. Docklands has 7.3% of residents aged 65 and over (1,486 people). Health outcomes among seniors are notably strong, closely aligning with the general population's health profile.

Docklands is among the most culturally diverse areas in the country based on AreaSearch assessment of a range of language and cultural background related metrics

Docklands has one of the highest levels of cultural diversity in the country, with 58.7% of its residents speaking a language other than English at home and 67.4% born overseas. Christianity is the predominant religion in Docklands, accounting for 27.5% of the population. However, Hinduism is significantly overrepresented, making up 14.6% compared to None% in Greater Melbourne.

In terms of ancestry, the top three groups are Chinese (19.8%), Other (18.9%), and English (13.8%). Notably, Indian (11.7%) Korean (1.9%), and Russian (0.7%) ethnicities are also overrepresented compared to regional averages.

Docklands hosts a very young demographic, ranking in the bottom 10% of areas nationwide

Docklands has a median age of 33, which is younger than Greater Melbourne's figure of 37 and Australia's national average of 38 years. Compared to Greater Melbourne, Docklands has a higher proportion of residents aged 25-34 (36.4%), but fewer residents aged 5-14 (3.3%). This concentration of 25-34 year-olds is significantly higher than the national figure of 14.5%. Between the 2021 Census and the present, the proportion of Docklands' population aged 35 to 44 has increased from 18.7% to 20.0%, while the 25 to 34 age group has decreased from 39.0% to 36.4%. The 0 to 4 age group has also dropped, from 4.5% to 3.0%. By 2041, population forecasts indicate substantial demographic changes in Docklands. The 45 to 54 age cohort is projected to grow by 123%, adding 2,336 residents to reach a total of 4,230. Meanwhile, the 15 to 24 age cohort is expected to grow by a modest 7%, with an increase of 175 people.